Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw used Ghana to provide a striking example to emphasize how competitive the AFCON qualification has become.
The Black Stars of Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Afcon for the first time in 21 years, securing just three points from their six matches in Group F, which included Angola, Sudan, and Niger.
Speaking after the AFCON 2025 draw which was conducted in Rabat, Morocco, Thiaw echoed across a broad spectrum about how African football is growing steadily.
Over the years, smaller nations have closed the gap, with many surprising traditional powerhouses during qualification campaigns.
However, for the Senegal coach, this is not a justification for complacency but rather a call to approach every match with seriousness and respect.
“Take Ghana, for instance. They are four-time AFCON champions, a nation with a rich footballing history. Yet, they are absent this year. That tells you everything you need to know about how competitive qualification has become. Every team in this tournament fought hard to be here, and they deserve their place and our respect.”
By: Pascal Amoah
